John Elway, a name synonymous with the Denver Broncos, had a lesser-known past as an accomplished baseball player. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 1981 MLB Draft, Elway showcased his skills with an impressive batting average. His potential in baseball was evident, leading scouts to see him as a dual-sport standout with a promising future in both realms.
In the 2024 Bowman Draft set, Topps honors this side of Elway with an MLB rookie card imagining what could have been if he had pursued baseball instead. The card, with Elway’s autograph and witty inscriptions, captures a moment where the line between football and baseball blurred.
Elway’s baseball career wasn’t just a display of versatility; it influenced his football journey significantly. Upon being picked as the No. 1 overall in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, Elway used his baseball prospects as leverage. This led to a trade to the Denver Broncos, where he would carve his path as one of NFL’s most celebrated quarterbacks. The Bowman Draft card humorously captures this pivotal moment with an inscription: “Yankees > Colts.”
A unique twist in Elway’s MLB story is being drafted ahead of the legendary Tony Gwynn in 1981, a fact highlighted in another version of his card. The inscription “Drafted ahead of Gwynn” adds an intriguing layer to his baseball legacy. Topps even created an ad commemorating this, showcasing a humorous scene between Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and a scout over selecting Elway.
The 2024 Bowman Draft set, known for spotlighting MLB prospects, presents 200 cards featuring draft picks and budding talents. However, Elway’s card injects an unexpected dose of history and nostalgia, appealing to collectors beyond traditional baseball fans. It’s a unique crossover piece bridging two sports worlds.
Elway’s card in the Bowman Draft set comes in various versions, from base cards to prized signed editions. The signed cards, some with inscriptions like “Yankees > Colts,” have heightened demand in the sports memorabilia market. Prices vary based on rarity, starting at $500 for base versions to thousands of dollars for signed editions.
John Elway’s inclusion in the Bowman Draft set isn’t mere gimmickry; it’s a celebration of a pivotal sports moment. It showcases Elway’s bold decisions, exceptional talent, and his ability to excel in multiple arenas, underlining that greatness doesn’t always follow a linear path. It also represents Topps’ creativity, blending the brand’s focus on future stars with an alternate history nod for Elway.
Bowman Draft’s ethos of celebrating potential aligns seamlessly with Elway’s legacy. Known for introducing future MLB stars through their first cards, the set captures the thrill of prospecting and the intriguing “what if” scenarios that define sports. Elway’s card stands as a testament to his athleticism, briefly flirting with baseball stardom before becoming an NFL icon.
The 2024 Bowman Draft set, with John Elway’s card, has sparked enthusiasm among collectors. Whether a baseball card enthusiast, a Broncos fan, or a sports memorabilia collector, this card offers a chance to own a slice of sports history. With diverse variations available, including limited signed editions, Elway’s Bowman card is set to be a standout release, a tribute to a sports legend with a versatile legacy.